Heath Ledger's grieving family

Jan 25, 2008, 11:35 GMT

Heath Ledger Memorial at His Manhattan Apartment in New York - January 24, 2008 - 421 Broome Street - Manhattan, NY, USA © Janet Mayer / PR Photos

Heath Ledger's family will visit his body after arriving in New York today (25.01.08).

The late actor's father Kim, mother Sally and older sister Kate have flown over form their home in Perth, Australia, and will visit the city's Frank E. Campbell funeral chapel, where Heath's body has remained since the autopsy on Wednesday (23.01.08).

Funeral Director Dominic Carella said yesterday (24.01.08): "Arrangements have been made for the funeral and burial. We are expecting his father to visit the chapel tomorrow."

The 28-year-old actor - who has a two-year-old daughter with former fiancée Michelle Williams - was found dead at his New York apartment on Tuesday (22.01.08) surrounded by various prescription drugs.

It has been reported Heath's body will be transported to Australia, following the funeral, where he will buried in his home town of Perth.

Meanwhile, his family have written emotional tributes to the star in The West Australian newspaper.

His mother Sally wrote: "Our darling boy, special in so many ways to all of us. You knew you were so loved. You lived life with courage and daring and we are so grateful for the wonderful times we shared. We will be there for Matilda."

Father Kim wrote: "My beautiful boy, so loving, so talented, so independent, so caring, so young. No more chess games mate, this is it, couldn't beat you anyway!

"My body aches for the sound of your voice, our chats, our laughs and our life and times together.

"It had only just started for you and for us to further enjoy. We were one, in soul and commitment. Just Father and Son. I will love you forever, Dad."

His sister Kate, who nicknamed him 'Roast' wrote: "I can hardly breathe when I try to write this. We were the ultimate in soul mates. I feel both my heart and life have been torn apart. You were so many things to so many people, but to me you were just my little brother.

"I will continue to talk with you everyday and love you just as if you were here. You will never leave my thoughts 'Roast', ever."

(C) BANG Media International